How to pack a computer for moving

Need to pack up your computer?

When moving to a new home, it’s important to know how to properly pack one of your most valuable items – your computer. By learning how to pack it with the most care, you can ensure it will arrive safely to your new home, ready for use.

More of a visual learner? Watch this quick video on how to pack your computer.

Preparing your computer for your upcoming move

Before you begin packing, you’ll need to take care of a few things on the front end:

Measure both the computer tower and monitor so you can select the appropriate size moving box to fit both items.

Back up your data to an external hard drive, cloud service, or some other data storage method.

Remove any discs, flash drives, or other devices plugged into or that are inside the computer.

Once you’ve done the above, you can start the computer packing process.

A step-by-step guide on how to pack your computer for moving

Packing the cables

Shut down the computer.

Take a picture of the way the cables are connected to the back of the computer for easy reassembly.

Remove all cables that are plugged into the computer tower and monitor. Fold and secure each cable to keep them organized and prevent tangling.

Place all folded and secured cables together in a large plastic bag and wrap the bag in bubble wrap or packing paper for added protection.

Secure the wrapped bag of cables with packing tape and set aside. The cables will go into the box with the keyboard and mouse.

Packing the computer tower

Add several layers of crushed packing paper to the bottom of the box for cushion.

Wrap the tower in several layers of bubble wrap.

Secure the bubble wrap around the tower with packing tape, without taping to the tower itself.

Place the tower upright inside the box.

It’s best to place the heaviest item in the box first, which is typically the tower.

Packing the computer monitor

Wrap the entire monitor in several layers of bubble wrap.

Secure the bubble wrap around the monitor with packing tape, without taping to the monitor itself.

Place the monitor upright inside the box, with the screen facing an inside wall of the box.

Fill any gaps between the computer monitor and tower with crushed packing paper.

Add a layer of crushed packing paper on top of the tower and monitor for extra cushion.

Packing the mouse, keyboard, and other accessories

Wrap the mouse and keyboard separately in packing paper and secure the wrapping with packing tape. You can do the same for your modem, router, speakers, webcam, and any other small computer accessory. Place these computer accessories inside the box on the layer above the monitor and tower. Don’t forget to add the bag of cables, too.

Closing the box

Once the box is full, add more crushed packing paper so there is no space between the opening of the box and the items inside.

Close the box.

Give the box a gentle shake to see if any items shift inside. If there’s shifting, add more crushed packing paper to secure the items.

If there is no shifting, tape the box shut and label the box with what’s inside and what room it belongs to.

How to pack a laptop

If you own a laptop, you can ensure its protection during the move by following these steps:

Put your laptop in a protective laptop sleeve.

Wrap the laptop in several layers of bubble wrap from back to front.

Secure with packing tape.

Place the laptop on its edge inside the moving box. Laptops are stronger on their edge than they are flat.

Fill any gaps with crushed packing paper to secure it inside the box.

Fold the laptop AC adapter, secure it so it doesn’t come undone, and wrap it in packing paper.

Place it in the box in the box with the laptop and fill any gaps with crushed packing paper.

Close the box and give it a gentle shake to ensure there is no shifting. If the laptop shifts, add more crushed packing paper to secure it.

Once secured, tape the box closed and label the box with what’s inside and what room it belongs to.

Feeling good about how to pack a computer?

We hope so! If you have any questions about how to pack your laptop or computer for moving, let us know. We’d love to hear from you (and so would other U-Pack® customers). Just leave a comment or call 800-413-4799.

Customer Reviews

I moved from Houston, TX. to Omaha, NE. using U-pack recently. I shopped around for months and they offered the best price, for what I needed, and they had no hidden fees. My belongings were delivered within the time frame predicted, with no damage to any of my belongings.

Like other posts the customer service was very impressive. We also had the closing pushed back and they were very understanding, accommodating and worked with us. I would most definitely use this company to move again.

We used U-Pack ABF to move from Colorado Springs Colorado to Wilkesboro, NC. We had a portable unit dropped off at our home, filled it and then called them to come take it away. Our new address doesn't have service for drop off but we saved money by picking up our stiff at a Terminal in Keenersville, NC. We rented a truck for the day to get our stuff but still better than driving a truck cross-country. The cost of using upack was comparible to driving a truck cross-country and way less hassle even after having to rent a truck for a day. Very pleased and our belongings were safe and sound.